Faith Ndou
The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ), working with various organisations to curb road accidents and save lives, has rolled out several community empowerment programmes targeting women, girls and youth in three of Masvingo province districts.
In Gutu, Zaka and Mwenezi districts, TSCZ partnered Gutu Vocational Training Centre on the 24th of October 2025 to host a free Ladies Vehicle Mechanics Workshop with a total of 35 women receiving training in basic vehicle fault finding and repairs.
TSCZ Southern Region Manager Esther Kashangura said the organisation’s mission is to promote a road safety culture through education, training, publicity and research, with the overall goal of reducing deaths, injuries and property damage on the country’s roads.
She said the workshop aimed to help women drivers manage time effectively during breakdowns, prevent car theft, reduce accidents, understand their vehicles better and lessen dependence on men for vehicle maintenance.
Participants expressed their gratitude for the practical and theoretical lessons, saying the training boosted their confidence and vehicle management skills.
The areas covered included identifying vehicle faults, tyre changing, checking and refilling oil, brake fluid and water, and the importance of having necessary accessories.
The workshop also focused on basic defensive driving skills and legal road use guidelines, presented by TSCZ’s Blessing Sai.
Members of the public who attended the event were encouraged to acquire genuine learner’s licences and driver’s licences to protect lives and property.
Other facilitators included Road Motor Transport Officer Wilbert Mahachi and Ketayi Zvinonzwa of the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe who highlighted consumer rights in purchasing vehicles, parts and maintenance services.
She urged women not to fall victim to dishonest dealers and bullies on the road and emphasised environmental responsibility, noting the growing challenge of littering along highways.
Zvinonzwa further called for increased educational campaigns on safe use of domestic gas as more rural communities embrace green energy solutions to curb deforestation.
With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, TSCZ also took the opportunity to encourage women to undergo regular screening for early detection and treatment of the disease.
